New facility to bring jobs to Burdekin
$4.5m fertiliser plant to be built in Ayr
FAMILY-OWNED and operated North Queensland company, Liquaforce, is set to build a new liquid enhanced efficiency fertiliser manufacturing facility in Ayr.
Agriculture and Northern Australia Minister David Littleproud announced funding of $2.1m for the business, and said the project, which was worth close to $4.5m, would deliver jobs to the region, give growers a reliable supply of product and stable pricing.
“This project is helping to grow Northern Australia by building supply chain resilience, creating jobs and saving growers money,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It is a great example of what is achievable by local businesses and how, by scaling up or diversifying, they can bring significant benefits
not only to their own business but to the communities they live in.”
The facility will enable Liquaforce to substantially increase the production and storage of liquid fertilisers, and will feature full electrical automation capabilities, be equipped with gas water heating and include solar panels with smart meters to reduce its carbon footprint.
The facility will operate independently to the company’s existing Ingham and Mackay plants, but will be capable of supporting and supplementing the capacity of both.
Special Envoy for Northern Australia Susan Mcdonald said the project would give the region’s growers confidence and bring another industry to the Burdekin.
“It’s going to create permanent jobs as well as shorterterm jobs during construction,” Senator Mcdonald said.
“That’s great news for the local economy.
“The Coalition government isn’t just talking about Northern Australian development, we’re delivering by giving businesses confidence to invest and grow in this crucial region.”
The funding is already approved and is not reliant on the Coalition winning the federal election this weekend.